Funding approved for career firefighters for South Hays Fire Department
Funding was recently approved for the South Hays Fire Department by Hays County Emergency Services District 3.
Currently, South Hays Fire Department is an all-volunteer fire department staffed by dedicated men and women.
“It is becoming increasingly harder to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters,” Hays County ESD 3 said in a news release. “The economy is challenging, people leave the area for work and school and the training to be a firefighter is extensive.”
Hays County ESD 3 stated that over the past 10 years the call volume, like surrounding departments, has grown considerably.
As the tax base was not where it needed to be to hire firefighters, the district focused on improving its infrastructure and service to the community in the following ways: • Improve the Texas Fire Academy and internal training programs. People who wish to start a fire service career come to South Hays to get their start. They volunteer while in training and eventually become career firefighters.
• Improve the fleet so that each fire station has a reliable complement to meet the needs to that part of the district.
• Improve facilities to prepare for career staff.
• Update policies and procedures to prepare for career staff.
• Improve the districts ISO rating. Our ISO Public Protection Rating changed from an ISO PPC Class 7/9 to an ISO PPC Class 4/4Y for all property owners living in Hays County Emergency Services District #3. Our residents could see a significant reduction on their homeowner’s insurance.
The Board of Fire Commissioners approved the funding for career firefighting staff for South Hays Fire Department for 2023 during a meeting on Monday, Dec. 19.
“This will make South Hays a Combination Fire Department of career and volunteer staff,” Hays ESD 3 said. “A tremendous amount of work went into developing this plan by the Chief Officers, Firefighters and the Board of Fire Commissioners. Additionally, we would like to thank the Hays County Judge and our Commissioners for always being there to support us.”
